Maternal Relationships In A Brief And Fearful Star

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"The Paper Menagerie" by Ken Liu and "A Brief and Fearful Star" by Carmen Maria Machado are two compelling short stories that utilize the genre of magical realism to delve into the complexities of human nature and the intricacies of the relationship between mother and child. Despite their differing landscapes, both stories share intriguing connections in their exploration of contrasting elements and shared themes. In dissecting the core messages embedded within these narratives, one uncovers a tapestry of interconnected themes and patterns that underscore the enduring relevance of maternal relationships in shaping the human experience. Through the lens of magical realism, both Ken Liu and Carmen Maria Machado present profound insights into human nature and maternal relationships, …show more content…

In anger, he states, "We are not other families." I looked at him, and he was a snob. Other families don't have moms who don't belong." Liu. On the other hand, in "A Brief and Fearful Star," Carmen Maria Machado explores the theme of maternal sacrifice and the consequences of a mother's actions. The mother in Machado's story, despite her best intentions, inadvertently causes harm to her child by masking reality to protect her from the unkind nature of society. The mother fought alone to ensure her child's growth and helped overcome her fear. Yet, unintentionally, she left her in misery as she passed, leaving the daughter on her own, discovering the unconcealed side of humanity her mother protected her from. As the text reads, "She reached inside her chest and took out her heart, which she placed in a small wooden box and hid beneath the bed" (Machado). While both stories portray mothers' acts of love and sacrifice, they do so in vastly different contexts, highlighting the universal struggle for acceptance and the lengths to which mothers will go to protect their

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